NHVR consultation starts on draft master code

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has commenced public consultation on a draft Master Industry Code of Practice developed by representatives of Australia’s heavy vehicle industry.

NHVR Regulatory Compliance Executive Director, Tony Kursius, said industry feedback was an important part of the NHVR’s assessment process.

“We welcome the heavy vehicle industry’s efforts, led by the Australian Trucking Association and Australian Logistics Council, to develop a Master Code of Practice which covers general risks relevant to compliance with Australia’s Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL),” said Kursius.

“Once approved and registered, the master code will set industry standards to support supply chain parties in meeting their Chain of Responsibility obligations under the law.

“The master code will be freely available to all heavy vehicle operators and supply chain parties to assist them in improving their safety and compliance performance and can also be used in court to highlight known risks and control methods.

“That means adopting the risk-based approach of a Registered Industry Code of Practice will improve your ability to comply with safety and legal requirements,” he said.

The draft master code addresses the management of speed, fatigue, mass, dimension and loading, and vehicle standards, particularly as it relates to the new Chain of Responsibility amendments commencing on 1 October.

It will be assessed by an NHVR appointed panel in accordance with the Guidelines for Preparing and Registering Industry Codes of Practice, released by the NHVR in 2017.

“I would urge anyone who has an interest in heavy vehicle safety to have a look at the draft industry master code and provide any feedback you consider appropriate,” said Kursius.

Feedback on the draft Master Industry Code of Practice is open until 31 July.

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